Tattnall falls to undefeated Bethlehem Christian in playoffs despite second-half comeback attempt

Tattnall Square head football coach John Garrett Abernathy knew exactly what he was getting into when his team went on the road to start the playoffs.

Abernathy knew undefeated Bethlehem Christian was a tough draw in the quarterfinal round of the GIAA 4A state tournament, and he got exactly what he expected in a very physical football game that was won in the trenches.

Unfortunately for the Tattnall faithful, the Trojans came out on the wrong side of a 21-14 score after a valiant comeback attempt late, ending Tattnall’s season on a sour note.

“We knew they were big and we would have to play with them in the trenches, but they were probably a little better than we thought,” Abernathy said. “They stopped us from getting our offense going in the first half with their pass rush and they were able to control the game, but these kids have never quit and we had our chances late.”

The game ending with only a one-score deficit for the Trojans was an accomplishment on its own, as Tattnall was held to 33 total yards in the first half. 

Bethlehem Christian pulled ahead early behind two long touchdown passes by Coy Buckner, but Tattnall would find a way in to make it a ballgame in the second half. 

Antone Johnson broke free for a 58-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter, but the Knights got a touchdown run early in the fourth from Zeke Clanton to make it a two score game. 

Tattnall once again answered on a touchdown pass from Caden Faulk to Ty Hunnicutt and got the ball back with four minutes left in the game with a chance to tie. The Trojans drove the ball all the way down to the 23-yard line, but two passes into the end zone failed and — just like that — Tattnall’s season was over.

“This is a special group of kids, especially the seniors, and I knew they would do everything they could to get us back into the game.”  Abernathy said. “I am extremely proud of the way we battled, but we just had to play a little better in that first half.”

Clanton had a game high 133 yards rushing for Bethlehem Christian, while Johnson ended his stellar Tattnall career with 92 yards on the ground and 44 yards receiving. 

The Trojans finished the season with a final record of 7-3 after the playoff loss.